14 Miracle Mile 2013
Larchmont Chronicle
26TH annual edition
New board brings energy to Mid City West council By Laura Eversz Board members elected in December have brought a fresh, new energy to the Mid City West Community Council and a new way of looking at issues like transportation, planning and land use, said Council chair Tim Deegan. “Half are new members to the board, and many have taken on committee chair responsibilities,” said Deegan, director of guest services at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. “They all come with life experiences, they are qualified and they’re doing a great job.” Planning and land use Zoning variances are turning La Cienega and La Brea into a canyon of high-rises similar to Wilshire Blvd., said Deegan. “That’s the one side of land use. The other is the homeowners who want to preserve their neighborhoods.” The challenge is going to be maintaining the balance between preservation and growth, which requires the installation of more infrastructure. “There are a lot of collateral issues like drainage, sewer expansion, reinforce-
ment of the roads that might not be evident, but have to be paid attention to.” Transportation Deegan says the subway is getting closer. “Plans for stations at La Brea and Fairfax have been approved… that’s two stops within mid-city. It will lead to increased development, housing and overall density.” Traffic mitigation funds of $175,000 collected by the city as part of the agreement for developing The Grove need to get unlocked and used, with some already planned for calming measures to slow down traffic, like left-turn lanes and speed bumps. Stakeholders will have a chance to give input on how the funds should be used. “There’s a lot that can be done in the neighborhoods to make it calmer for traffic passing through, but also on main roads,” said Deegan. “We’re working on it now with the Councilman’s office.” Communications MCWCC has begun using social media, including Twitter and Facebook, for out(Please turn to page 18)
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